New car sales in Scotland eased off last month for the first time in more than a year, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

February sales are the first year on year monthly dip in Scottish new car sales since December 2012.

The latest figures, compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, suggest February was the first month a year on year drop in sales was recorded in Scotland since December, 2012.

In total, 5009 vehicles were sold in Scotland in February compared with 5,064 sold in February 2013.

The Scottish Borders, Lothian and Tayside were the only Scottish regions to report sales growth in February, with the Borders leading the way with growth of 34 per cent, though from a low base of 70 vehicles sold last year rising to 94 this year.

For the UK as a whole, new car sales were up 2.98 per cent year on year in February to 68,736 compared with 66,749 reported last year.

Commenting on the latest figures said, Douglas Robertson, chief executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, said: “We are slightly disappointed with the small dip in car figures, however we expect March’s figures to make up for this.

“We fully anticipate that car figures will increase in the coming months.”